We recently connected with Juliana Ocasio and have shared our conversation below.

Juliana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

One of the most transformative experiences in my professional journey occurred during my tenure as the Director of Field Assessment at a Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plan in New York. It was a role that demanded both strategic vision and boots-on-the-ground execution, overseeing the assessment process for clients in need of long-term care services.

Starting from the ground up as a field assessment nurse, I gradually ascended through the ranks, propelled by my dedication and commitment to providing high-quality care to vulnerable populations. With each step, I gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of the healthcare system and the challenges faced by both patients and providers.

However, it was during my final year with the organization that I encountered a defining moment—one that would shape my approach to leadership and professional integrity. Despite my relentless efforts to excel in my role, I found myself stretched thin, managing not only my own department but also shouldering the responsibilities of two additional ones.

The weight of these duties began to take its toll, and I soon realized that I was on the brink of mental burnout. Balancing the demands of work with the needs of my personal life became increasingly challenging, and I found myself sacrificing precious moments with my family for the sake of professional obligations.

It was against this backdrop that I made the difficult decision to tender my resignation, believing it was the only way to preserve my well-being and regain a sense of balance in my life. However, what transpired during the exit process served as a stark reminder of the corporate dynamics at play.

Despite providing a generous eight-week notice period, I was met with an unexpected termination, effective immediately, during a meeting in HR. In that moment, I realized that to the organization, I was merely a cog in the machine—a dispensable asset whose worth was measured solely in terms of productivity and output.

This experience left an indelible mark on my professional ethos, reinforcing the importance of empathy, integrity, and self-worth in leadership. It taught me that true success lies not in climbing the corporate ladder at any cost but in maintaining a sense of humanity and dignity amidst the pressures of the workplace.

As I transitioned from that role and embarked on new endeavors, I carried with me the lessons learned from that experience. Today, as a leader in my own right, I am committed to creating environments where individuals are valued not just for their contributions to the bottom line but for their intrinsic worth as human beings.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of transformation. My path has been shaped by diverse experiences in the healthcare industry, beginning with my tenure at a Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plan in New York.

After my time in MLTC, I transitioned to the fast-paced environment of a hospital, where I worked tirelessly on an oncology unit. Witnessing the strength and resilience of patients battling cancer inspired me to deepen my commitment to providing compassionate care.

However, it was during this time that I recognized a gap in post-operative care and recovery support. Driven by my passion for improving patient outcomes, I founded Infusions & Body By J, a post-op care and IV infusion company. Through Infusions & Body By J, I provide personalized care to individuals undergoing post-operative recovery, ensuring they receive the support they need to heal comfortably.

My journey didn’t stop there. Building on my experiences as a nurse and entrepreneur, I realized the importance of empowering others to pursue their dreams and live life on their terms. This realization led me to transition into a new role as a Nurse Coach.

As a Nurse Coach, I offer guidance and support to fellow nurses seeking to navigate career transitions, personal growth, and burnout. Drawing from my own experiences, I empower nurses to reclaim their time and autonomy, ultimately enabling them to live the life they deserve.

What sets me apart in my field is not just my professional expertise but also my lived experiences. As someone who has worked on the frontline of healthcare and built a successful business from the ground up, I bring a unique perspective and understanding to my work.

I am immensely proud of the impact I’ve made on the lives of my clients and fellow nurses, and I am committed to continuing this journey of empowerment and transformation. Ultimately, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that no matter where you start in life, with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. If I can inspire just one person to pursue their passions and live authentically, then my journey will have been truly worthwhile.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Certainly! One significant pivot in my journey occurred during my time working in a hospital on an oncology unit. While I was deeply committed to providing compassionate care to patients battling cancer, I began to recognize a gap in the post-operative care and recovery support they received.

Driven by my desire to improve patient outcomes and address this critical need, I made the decision to pivot from hospital nursing to entrepreneurship. This decision led to the founding of Infusions & Body By J, a post-op care and IV infusion company.

The transition from hospital nursing to entrepreneurship was a daunting leap into the unknown. It required me to navigate unfamiliar territory, from business planning and operations to marketing and client relations. However, fueled by my passion for making a difference and my unwavering commitment to providing high-quality care, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.

Despite the initial hurdles and uncertainties, the pivot proved to be incredibly rewarding. Through Infusions & Body By J, I was able to fill a crucial gap in the healthcare system and provide personalized care to individuals undergoing post-operative recovery. Witnessing the positive impact of our services on our clients’ lives reaffirmed the importance of my decision to pivot.

Moreover, the experience of building and growing a successful business from the ground up taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. It empowered me to trust my instincts, take calculated risks, and embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

In hindsight, the pivot from hospital nursing to entrepreneurship was a defining moment in my journey. It not only allowed me to address a pressing need in the healthcare industry but also paved the way for personal and professional growth. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding opportunities arise from moments of uncertainty and change.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success is solely defined by traditional metrics such as career advancement and financial stability. The backstory to this realization traces back to my upbringing and early experiences in the healthcare industry.

Growing up in a family where success was often equated with academic achievements and material wealth, I internalized the idea that my worth was contingent upon achieving conventional markers of success. This mindset followed me into my career as I pursued accolades and promotions, believing that climbing the corporate ladder would bring fulfillment and validation.

However, it was during a period of reflection and introspection that I began to question this paradigm. Despite achieving professional milestones and financial stability, I found myself feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from my true passions and values.

Through soul-searching and self-discovery, I came to realize that true fulfillment lies not in external validation or societal expectations but in aligning my actions with my innermost desires and values. I had to unlearn the belief that success was defined by others and instead embrace a more holistic and authentic definition of success—one that encompasses personal growth, fulfillment, and contribution to others.

This shift in perspective prompted me to reassess my priorities and pursue endeavors that resonate with my true purpose and passion, such as entrepreneurship and coaching. It taught me the importance of listening to my intuition, staying true to myself, and redefining success on my own terms.

In unlearning the lesson that success is solely defined by external markers, I gained a newfound sense of freedom and authenticity in navigating my life and career. It reminded me that true success is not measured by the approval of others but by the fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with one’s values and aspirations.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
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